Haryana Panchayat polls: Three killed, turnout over 70%

Chandigarh: Three persons were killed and
over 12, including four policemen, injured today as violence
marred the first phase of Panchayat polls in Haryana which
witnessed a high voter turnout of over 70 per cent.

A clash between rival groups in Jamalgad village in
Mewat district left two dead and one injured, SP (Mewat) Ram
Singh said by telephone here.

The injured later succumbed to injuries in hospital, he
said.

The violence erupted when the counting of votes was on,
the SP said adding firearms were used in the clash.

A report from Jhajjar said over 12 people, including a
contestant and four policemen, were injured in violence in
Bhambheva village.

Stones were hurled at police who resorted to cane-charge
to bring the situation under control.

An EVM was damaged and ballot papers were flung around
during the violence which broke out when some supporters of a
candidate tried to cast bogus votes.

Both EVMs and ballot papers were used in today`s
exercise held amid tight security.

Haryana Election Commissioner Dharamvir said over 70 per
cent votes were cast in the first phase with some pockets
recording 80 per cent polling.

He said some persons damaged ballot papers at Hathin in
Palwal, adding a firing incident was also reported from Nangli
village but there were no casualties.

The elections are held to elect sarpanches and panches
in 13 districts.

Besides, 1,767 members of Panchayat Samitis and 244 of
Zila Parishads will be elected during the exercise.

The next phase of voting will take place on June 12.

A total of 15,579 aspirants out of 38,596 had been
elected panches unanimously.

Similary, 134 out of 3,971 contestants had been elected
sarpanches unopposed.